Santa’s convoy has expanded in TBL
A feeling of optimism for the town
As far as anyone can remember, Santa has been making his way to TBL before Christmas for almost 50 years and this year he was flanked by a much bigger convoy. This past Saturday, the annual Santa Claus parade flaunted 26 entries of which 11 were new additions, making it, from spectators’ perspectives, the best parade ever.
Lions Club members Gary Crandall, Eileen Mason, and April Wisdom all agree that it was evident how much effort was put into creating each of the ornately decorated floats. Wisdom sees the event as a manifestation of a positive turning point. “There were many new entries for the parade and it is clear that a lot of effort was made in creating the many details on each of the floats. So many more people wanted to be involved this year. What really stood out was the huge number of children who participated either riding on the floats or in the fire engines, walking along in the parade, or simply cheering. There were less horses and more dogs this year.”
While Shayna Hadlock of Lennoxville has participated with her miniature horse for almost 25 years, the organization was thrilled to welcome for the first time Brome Bird Care, St. Edouard International School’s Daycare, Uniprix, Virgin Hill, Iteract, Quilliams’ Electronics, Scotyz and GAL from Foster, the Hall and Mason Families from Iron Hill/west Brome, Camping Fairmont, Centre Equestre Hippo-brome, the 1st Knowlton Scouts and Robert Brisebois from Brome on his antique. Each had their unique theme and identity.
The Auberge Knowlton was at the corner of Lakeside and Knowlton roads
serving hot chocolate, a nutcracker stood guard over a table of gifts to give to passers-by, Mayor Richard Burcombe and firemen and people dressed in every costume imaginable walked along dishing out candies and little surprises. Virgin Hill also provided hot chocolate on arrival to Knowlton Academy while 22 members of the Knowlton Harmony Band entertained people arriving to meet jolly old St. Nick. Little did they know that Santa was sticking around to give out gifts to children who would be at the brunch hosted by the Brome Lake Optimist Club on Sunday.
Crandall admits that there is a lot of planning to make the parade happen. “There is a lot of logistical stuff behind the scenes because we have to make sure we have the permits from the government to close roads, etc. while making sure that vehicles passing through town have a way to get to their destination. But it is all worth it. It is a lot of fun. People from outside the town come back with their children and grandchildren.”
And there were prizes for the winners and runners-up in each of the categories. Camping Fairmont was the first place business while Hippo-brome won in the category for groups. The Mason/call float from Iron Hill/west Brome led the families’ category while Hayley Harrison swept it with her beautiful horse in the animals category. Wisdom said that Wisdom and Bev Crandall raved about Jeff Royea’s entry, which was based on the Looney Tunes theme. “He is so very talented and I look forward to seeing what he comes up with each year,” marvelled Crandall.
Wisdom, who has been one of the judges for a number of years, says that it is not always about the best. It could be someone who has been involved for years and just keeps coming to it.
This parade is really all about the kids. And as Stewart Bacon, former president of the TBL Chamber of Commerce aptly said, “It’s about believing in Santa. I still do!” The Lions are so appreciative of the continued participation of Lennoxville’s Shayna Hadlock and her miniature horse, who have been coming for almost 25 years.